Ugh, had a dream last night that included the first instance I can specifically recall of feeling pain in a dream (toenail clipping mishap). Not sure what brought that on, but it is interesting that the sense is present even though it's never appeared before so far as I know—and I've been in fights and fallen off cliffs in previous dreams.

So, yesterday was our big fundraiser. The high was 36 degrees and snow/rain fell on and off all day. In the two days before the event we had to replan all the outdoor activities to bring them indoors. But no amount of planning could eliminate the mud that people had to walk through. CJ had a blast "mudding" in the golf cart he drove all day.

There was no room for the registration tables (my post) to move indoors. Thankfully we were lent a tent that had 3 side panels so we were sheltered from the wind and the small propane heater kept us from being complete popsicles (it was still so cold all day).

Even with these conditions, I had all but 5 of my volunteers show up, 2 of those 5 let us know they weren't coming, and I had about 8 new volunteers show up. With the shifting around we did, we had just about every need covered with a volunteer.

We had presold about 150 tickets. Our original guest goal was 400 but we would have just been happy with the presolds if that is what happened. I think we ended up with just over 200 guests. Personally, I'm thrilled the guests outnumbered the volunteers.

Moneywise - I have no clue if we actually made money. It is an expensive event to put on. But I know we introduced the program to many new people and there was lots of networking going on which has great value also.

By the end of the day I was frozen and broken. I downed Advil and took a long, hot shower when I got home and crawled in bed early.

Today is selfcare. I had the foresight to schedule a 90 minute massage today and I'm going to get a pedicure either before or after.

Congrats, Suzi! And you're right to count the success of the event around the people, not the dollars.

I have grocery shopped and made three lunches, so that's good. Theoretically I should do laundry, but meh.

Timelies all!

Raining here.

For a cold, wet day, that sounds like it went swimmingly, Suzi. I'm glad you are taking care of yourself today.

Brrrr... that sounds as successful as it could be given the weather. Enjoy the pedicure and massage.

Thanks. I'm hanging on Stabucks, puttering on the computer in an effort to stay awake until my massage.

We had over 120 volunteers yesterday. Many who have been part of our volunteer force, but also many who had never been to the stables before. My next goal, within the next week - NOT TODAY - is to reach out to all the newbies to see if they want to go through horse training to become a regular volunteer.

Spent a couple of hrs wandering the warehouses that are Second a Chances [link] looking for a vent grate. Didn't find one I liked and nearly left with a $100 mirror. Would have loved to have had msbelle in there.

Came home to find one of the cats broke into the wall, as evidenced by the pieces of ceiling on the floor....

Hi all!

I had a post all ready to go and stupidly lost it by moving away from this page. Oops.

Dana I hope your headache is now gone.

Connie I am unable to see your picture of the view from your office. Probably has to do with not being FB friends. If anyone would like to add me I am Becky Ohl. I broke up with FB during the last presidential election when I decided the vitriol and unsuitably to even see both sides became too much. (FTR I am a very social lefty.)

The death of Prince hit me hard. As hard as Cobain so many years ago. The world has lost too many talented people way before their time. My heart goes out to everyone who has and still is dealing with losing people you care about. I know how hard dealing with death can be, unfortunately.

Insurance companies seem to be taking advantage of Obama care and requiring everyone to have insurance. They raise rates and deductibles while making us jump through hoops to actually get the care we need. On a positive note, covering preexisting conditions helps because of my DH's severe arthritis and my mental health issues. My DH recently tore a tendon in his knee and was charged over $100 for a brace he could have purchased online without insurance for half that. My insurance automatically declines any brand name drug. It takes a lengthy phone call and forms from my doctor to overturn this decline. I am on Latuda (best drug ever for my Bi-Polar) and every other month we have to go through the same process to get them to pay. Plus they have changed the time between a prescription can be filled from 6 days to 2 days. Anyone who has ever been on ADs knows how dangerous it can be to stop cold turkey. I'm screwed if I accidentally drop a pill. I don't have an answer to the problem, but something has to be done.

(steps off the soapbox)

meara so sorry about the breakup. Even more sorry about the no breakup sex.

Suzi congrats on getting through the crazy work schedule. Also on your son getting a job. Glad he is enjoying the Fire Academy. I have had contact with them on many occassions and I've yet to meet one that is not friendly, helpful and professional. It's kinda funny to think we have probably passed each other in a store, gas station or on the street. Someday maybe we can actually meet. I continue to be impressed by all your volunteering no matter how hard it is.

Steph how is your brother doing? If they are looking to stay in Boulder/Superior area the perfect time to look for a new place is right before the semester ends. Rents tend to be cheaper and unless the place is a few miles away from the school then they should be able to sign a longer term lease. I went to school in Boulder and would live there except I can only put up with so much wind and Boulder surpasses that line by a lot.

I am sending out the ~ma for everyone who needs it!

Impressive meara, Becky!

Suzi, I'm glad the event went well, and generated knowledge and interest, even if not the funds that were hoped for. I hope you're all toasty and happy today.

sara, oh no. Are your cats *inside* the walls? That's..not good. Break out the stinky fish, right?

Our temps are in the 60s today and sunny. We're planning a drive in the AC'd car up to Diablo and Newhalem tomorrow, when they're supposed to hit 80 and up. Cloudy and back to high 50s on Tuesday--what? All the flowers and plants are in, and the weavils are having nightly picnics. All the alyssum flowers are gone, and even some of the herbs. H is mixing up an organic herbal spray for the plants, and taking advantage of tomorrow's temps to add nematodes to the soil in the pots and planters, and hope the larvae die a quick and oblivious death.

Meanwhile, ibu wasn't touching the pain today, so I'm wearing the light elastic sleeve on my hand and wrist. Psoriasis is such a balancing act: the support and compression the joint needs, without cutting off air and causing the skin to sweat under the sleeve, which causes breakouts. And thus the fun cyclic misery ensues.

But I have string cheese, which is happy-making, and fresh smoked turkey and dark green lettuce and provolone, to be layered with yogurt and horseradish sauce on toasted multi-grain bread for lunch, and (okay, frozen, but still yum) key lime pie for dessert. I'll chew on a root for supper, but lunch is about to be delightful.